tourist http://www.trifter.com/tags/tourist New posts about tourist A Treat for the American Tourist Visiting Great Britain http://www.trifter.com/Europe/United-Kingdom/A-Treat-for-the-American-Tourist-Visiting-Great-Britain.179751 For the first time visitor you will probably want to see the city of London with the famous attractions but if you have visited the UK before and have ventured into every tourist attraction you could find, why not try going further afield, even if you have already booked into accommodation in London you can still visit another part of the country in under 2 hours.
Liverpool Street Station and Manningtree Station are the mainline stations you will need for the journey recommended in this article. The journey takes about 90 minutes and the great thing is you can obtain off peak tickets, thus cutting costs.

Constable Country is a mainline train journey from London, through beautiful green countryside. The artist John Constable captured its beauty on canvas and today you can still see Willy Lott's cottage in all its glory.

There are taxis at Manningtree station that will take you on the short journey into the heart of the county of Suffolk countryside bordering with Essex.

If you do not want to go further than Manningtree then take a short walk or taxi ride (approx 10 minutes by foot for able bodied) into the town, it is the smallest town in Britain, it is also famous for being the hunting ground of The Witch Finder General, Matthew Hopkins. The narrow streets and old buildings that border the river Stour makes for a refreshing break from the hub bub of the city. There are rooms available in the local eateries and pubs. There is an award winning curry house and a Chinese take away should you wish for the spicier things in life. Should you wish to self-cater there is a large supermarket next to the river walk, a great place to sit and eat a sandwich.

The author Catherine Cookson chose Manningtree as a refuge when in troubled times, walking along the linking river road towards Mistley, known as the walls, you will also find time to unwind and clear your head. There is a small animal sanctuary along the road that welcomes visitors daily and is a great treat for children. The day out should give you a little piece of the Essex and Suffolk countryside to add to your collection of memories of when you visited Great Britain, it is tour guide free leaving you independent and a little richer in the pocket, there is a public library housed in a grand building in the centre of the high street where you will find more places to visit another day.

]]> Wed, 23 Jul 2008 07:16:28 PST 12 Safety Steps to Prevent Burglary and Theft in Hotels http://www.trifter.com/Practical-Travel/Tips/12-Safety-Steps-to-Prevent-Burglary-and-Theft-in-Hotels.162013

  • Safety in Numbers

    If you're a woman traveling alone, consider booking the room and checking in as husband and wife. To avoid a double room charge, phone the desk shortly after your arrival to let them know that “Mr.” won't be coming after all.

  • Study the Fire Exit Plan Posted on the Back of the Door

    If nothing is posted, make a note of the exits nearest your room and spend a couple of moments planning a quick exit route, just in case.

  • Don't Attract Attention

    Avoid displaying large amounts of cash, jewelry, or other valuables at the registration desk, hotel restaurant, or lobby.

  • Keep Your Door Shut

    Use your peep hole to find out who's at the door before opening it. Never open the door to anyone claiming to be a hotel service person unless you've called for one. If in doubt, telephone the desk to confirm the identity while the person waits outside the door. A rubber doorjamb-the kind used to keep doors open-also works well to keep doors closed when it's wedged under the inside. Make sure any connecting or sliding glass doors and windows are securely locked.

  • Don't Hang the “Make Up This Room” Card on Your Door When You Go Out

    It's an invitation to burglars looking for easy pickings. Leaving the “Do Not Disturb” sign up and the television on can be a fairly good deterrent. If the maid passes you by, you can always call housekeeping later in the day.

  • Avoid Regular Patterns of Entering and Leaving Your Room

    Vary the times at which you leave and return and occasionally come back to your room after a few minutes, if possible.

  • Be Alert for Staged Distractions in the Lobby

    These may be created to provide an opportunity for a pickpocket or purse/luggage snatcher

  • Hand Carry Your Precious Items and Vital Documents

    Keep your laptop, personal travel documents, and anything else you can't afford to lose under your own control at all times.

  • Use the Room or Hotel Safe

    Don't leave anything valuable behind when you exit the room.

  • Use the Main Entrance to Your Hotel When Returning After Dark

    Avoid dimly lit garages without security patrols. In any type of parking structure, look around for strange or suspicious behavior before you get out of the car.

  • Purchase an Instant Release Keychain

    This way you can keep your house and other keys when you leave your car key with valets or other parking personnel

  • Keep Your Room Key Where It Can't be Stolen

    • ]]>     Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:13:10 PST     10 Questions to Ask When You are Looking for a Perfect Hotel http://www.trifter.com/Practical-Travel/Luxury-Travel/10-Questions-to-Ask-When-You-are-Looking-for-a-Perfect-Hotel.162009
  • Is there a cancellation penalty? Some hotels keep a portion of your deposit, some will refund only if they are able to book the room after you cancel, and still others will refund a deposit if the reservation is cancelled with a certain amount of notice. Make sure you understand what the policy is.
  • Is there a check-out penalty? Some hotels charge you for leaving before your check-out date. For example, if you book the room through Monday, but decide to leave Sunday, will you pay a fee?
  • What are check-in and check-out times? Is there any grace period for checking out a bit later? Is it possible to check in early, or to store your bags at the hotel if you arrive before your room is ready?
  • What other costs may be added? A hotel's overnight rate may sound good, but it quickly becomes expensive if you must pay substantial taxes and surcharges or high fees to garage your car each day. (These fees may not apply at lodgings outside major cities, so you may want to consider staying beyond city limits.)
  • What is your confirmation policy? If you arrive late in the day, until what time will the hotel hold your room? Does your deposit guarantee it for you?
  • What is nearby? Ask where the hotel is relative to the activities you plan for your visit (going to the beach, visiting museums, exploring the historic district, going to the theater). Even if you will have a car, it's good to know how much time is required to get where you want to go.
  • Are the facilities modern? Many older hotels absolutely ooze charm. But when the shower oozes rusty water, the charm dries up fast. Ask what you're getting into when booking older accommodations.
  • What amenities do you offer? Do you prefer a swimming pool? Workout area? Do the rooms have telephones and televisions? How about hair dryers? The answers to these questions will definitely affect your packing decisions and could have an impact on whether or not you're happy there
  • Do you have discounts available? You may be eligible for discounts based on your age, membership in associations such as AAA, or your frequent flyer status. But you won't know if you don't ask.
  • May I have a confirmation number? This will be invaluable if the hotel “can't find” your reservation when you arrive
    • ]]>     Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:11:33 PST     10 Easy Steps to Find a Perfect Travel Agent http://www.trifter.com/Practical-Travel/Tips/10-Easy-Steps-to-Find-a-Perfect-Travel-Agent.162005 Despite the sharp rise in the number of travelers purchasing their own airline tickets on the Internet, 80 percent of all flights are still booked by travel agents. Their services cost you little or nothing because they are mainly paid through commissions from airlines, hotels, car rental agencies, and so forth. Although some agents now charge a processing fee to make up for commission caps instituted in 1985 by the airlines, most are trying to give you your money's worth by offering better and more creative services. Many agencies now do specialized destination planning (they can arrange your African safari, your white-water rafting trip, or your trek through Nepal), but even for less exotic trips, a travel agent can set you up with rental cars, getaway packages, and guided tours and save you a lot of legwork.

    1. Are you approved by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Airline Reporting Corporation (ARC)? IATA requires bonding for membership; ARC is the organization that collects funds from travel agencies and regulates their daily operations. An agency without IATA or ARC affiliations is not a travel agency at all, merely a booking agent or tour operator.
    2. Are you a member of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA)? Membership doesn't guarantee professional conduct and ethics, but ASTA has a code of principles to follow. The Society also has a mediation/arbitration system between member agencies and their customers.
    3. Are your agents Certified Travel Counselors? The Institute of Certified Travel Agents only grants CTC status to agents who have completed a special training course and have at least five years' full-time experience. If your agent doesn't have this certification, he or she may not have the background and experience necessary to get the best deals for you.
    4. Do you have preferred supplier arrangements with any travel companies? If your agent has such relationships and receives bonuses, rebates, or other remuneration from certain companies, you may not wind up with the best deal. On the other hand, if you suddenly need an airline seat or hotel room for an emergency trip, your agent's relationship with “preferred suppliers” could work to your advantage. Evaluate a “yes” answer in terms of whether it might be of value to you.
    5. Does your agency subscribe to the OAG electronic tariff system? This is a computerized version of the monthly tariff book most travel agents use. It is updated daily and allows agents to get the hottest information on special offers, such as promotional and introductory fares.
    6. Do you focus primarily on business or leisure travel? Do you have agents who specialize in one or the other? It's wise to pick an agent who specializes in the kind of travel you do most often. You might even consider using one person at the agency for vacations and another for your business trips.
    7. Does your agency use three or more Computer Reservations Systems (CRSs)? With fewer than three, the agency may be missing the latest and best fares. If it doesn't have access to more than one, an agency can make up for it by routinely checking last-minute seat availability with airlines for which it doesn't have direct CRS access.
    8. Does the owner work in the agency? An owner-operated agency often runs more smoothly and has less turnover of agents. It is also good to know that if you have a problem, you can immediately take it to someone with a vested interested in keeping you happy.
    9. Do you deliver tickets and is there a charge for it? This can be a wonderful convenience if the agency you choose is not on your normal driving route
    10. Will you keep my travel profile on file? A profile that includes your frequent flier numbers, your meal and seating preferences, and any other special needs will save you time and lessen the chance of booking errors
    ]]>     Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:09:59 PST     Seven Indispensable Things for Traveling Abroad http://www.trifter.com/Practical-Travel/Tips/Seven-Indispensable-Things-for-Traveling-Abroad.161995
  • Passport. A United States citizen must have a current passport to leave the country. U.S. passports are good for ten years and cost $65; renewals are $55. It usually takes about six to eight weeks to process a passport, but that can be cut to about ten days by asking for the Expedite option, which costs an extra $35. First-time passport applicants must go in person to a passport office or post office with proof of citizenship (a certified copy of a birth certificate or naturalization or citizenship papers), and proof of identity (a driver's license or photo identity card). You'll also need two identical 2×2-inch front-view photos of yourself against a white or light background which you can purchase quickly and easily at most photo stores and certain copy centers. (It helps to wear a dark color when you have this photo taken.) Make a copy of your passport to carry with you, but keep it separate from the original.
  • Visa. A visa is an official authorization stamped inside your passport showing that the host country permits you to travel within its borders for a limited amount of time and for a specific purpose (vacation, business, academic study, etc.). Not all countries require American tourists to obtain visas. To find out if you need one for your trip and how long it will take to obtain one, call the country's embassy or consulate in the city nearest you or the airline or hotel you've booked. But make sure your information is current; visa requirements can change quickly with new governments or during politically sensitive events.
  • Vaccines or immunization shots. To find out about the requirements for your destination, call the State Department at 202-647-5225 or the Centers for Disease Control at 404-639-2572. You can also check with your local health department.
  • International driver's license. In many countries, a valid U.S. license is sufficient for legal driving and car rental. Call the American Automobile Association to find out what is required where you are traveling. The AAA can issue the license, which costs $10, requires only a simple application form, and is issued immediately.
  • Automobile insurance. Call your insurance representative and ask for details on what coverage your policy provides for driving in a foreign country. Also talk to your credit card company; some offer fairly generous coverage for their customers traveling overseas. It's a good idea to bring your automobile insurance information with you in any case.
  • Foreign currency. Purchase foreign currency before your trip through Thomas Cook Currency Services (800-287-7362) or a foreign currency office in your area (listed in the Yellow Pages). The exchange rate is published in the Sunday travel section of most major newspapers; you can get updated information by calling a currency dealer. It's cheaper to obtain foreign currency by using your ATM to withdraw money from a bank machine in that country. But there can be glitches if you don't ask your bank for the exact procedure ahead of time (must it come from your savings account? will your PIN number work as usual?).
  • Telephone codes. Call your calling card company to ask for the access numbers for the countries you'll be visiting. Also, let them know you're going overseas. Occasionally telephone calling card companies will place a “theft and loss” hold on a card that suddenly turns up in a foreign country.
    • ]]>     Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:06:11 PST     Great Packing Tips to Save You From Headaches http://www.trifter.com/Practical-Travel/Tips/Great-Packing-Tips-to-Save-You-From-Headaches.161989
  • Coordinate your outfits. Bring clothes you can mix and match. Choose one main color for your travel wardrobe, such as black, gray, navy, or khaki, and pack only items that coordinate.
  • Consider your plans. Make a list of your planned activities and consider which clothing will be best for each event. Remember color coordination as you do this.
  • Figure out what you can get away with. If you'll be seeing different people every day, take fewer items and get more use out of them by bringing clean shirts or tops to refresh a few suits, skirts, pants, and jackets.
  • Inspect your clothes. Don't wait until you're filling your suitcase to look at the clothes you're planning to pack. Give yourself time to sew on buttons, do laundry, or take clothes to the cleaners.
  • Shun your shoes. Coordinating your clothing means you'll need fewer pairs of shoes. Since they are usually the heaviest and bulkiest items in a suitcase, consider taking two pairs that can be rotated for hygiene and comfort and a third pair of casual shoes or sneakers.
  • Avoid wrinkles. Pack in layers that are tight enough to keep garments from shifting around and loose enough so they aren't jammed together.
  • Pack suits, dresses, shirts, and blouses in plastic dry cleaning bags
  • Drape longer clothing across the suitcase and leave the edges hanging. Lay smaller items like T-shirts on top before folding the long ends over. This provides a little cushioning and helps prevent creasing.
  • Roll sweaters, pajamas, and other casual clothing to fill any gaps in the suitcase
  • Put heavy items, such as shoes and hair dryer, together along one edge of the suitcase or in a separate bag to keep them from weighing down and crushing clothing
  • Forget about linen
  • Make a list. Before you pack, jot down everything you must take with you. Check each item off as you put it in your luggage (don't forget to include toiletries, medication, etc.). This will do wonders to reduce travel-induced premature aging.

    Roll underwear, socks, and other small items and tuck them into your shoes to keep your favorite wingtips from being crushed. Put shoes in plastic bags to avoid soiling other clothing.

    ]]>     Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:03:30 PST     New Zealand Tourist Attractions http://www.trifter.com/Asia-&-Pacific/New-Zealand/New-Zealand-Tourist-Attractions.157372 Kaitaia

    Kaitaia is a town that is close to Cape Reinga.

    Kai means food and Taia means oil.

    Kaitaia has many tourist attractions, like the far north regional museum, the ninety mile beach and the sand dunes, and the Cape Reinga walkway.

    Auckland

    Auckland is New Zealand's largest city, with a population of about 1 million.

    It has the Southern Hemisphere's tallest structure and it's called the Sky Tower.

    The most popular newspaper, The New Zealand Herald, is printed here.

    Rotorua

    This city has lots of Maori people in it and lots of steaming natural pools.

    These natural pools come from hot springs.

    Then there's the Skyline Skyrides, with lots of activities and fun games to keep the whole family excited. There is also Wai-O-Tapu, a massive collection of bubbling hot mud pools and geysers.

    Wellington

    This city is the capital city of New Zealand, and also holds the Beehive, New Zealand's parliament building, although there are no bees in there, there's lots of insects there to suck all the money out of you in the form of tax.

    Christchurch

    This place is freezing cold!

    There are also some ski fields in this area if you're interested. Other tourist attractions include the Canterbury museum, botanical gardens, Cathedral Square, and the arts centre.

    Also check out the Sumner beach. Besides stunning views, there are lots of restaurants nearby to fill you up.

    Invercargill

    Not much things to see here, although you could try out one of those delicious Bluff oysters.

    Some tourist attractions are the Stewart Island flights, Venture Southland, and the Invercargill brewery.

    Queenstown

    It's even colder out here!

    The Skyline Skyrides won't keep you interested for long.

    Some other things to keep you interested in Queenstown are the Cardrona Adventure Park, Frogz white water sledging, and the Kawarau jet.

    Nelson

    Not much to see and do here, but you can still ride the boats to some of the area's more remote bays, islands and beaches. I recommend you to visit the Abel Tasman National Park and walk the Abel Tasman Walkway.

    ]]>     Sat, 05 Jul 2008 03:14:49 PST     Your Guide to the Real O.C.: Buena Park http://www.trifter.com/USA-&-Canada/California/Your-Guide-to-the-Real-OC-Buena-Park.139304 This article is part of the series "Your Guide to the Real O.C."

    Knott's Berry Farm

    Rich in history and local tradition, Knott's Berry Farm (known simply as Knott's, or even KBF to us locals), is more than just a theme park, it is a tribute to good old-fashioned Western America culture.

    Knott's for Thrill Seekers -

    Start off early in the morning, ideally when the park opens its gates (at 10 a.m.). If you need, there's a nice Starbucks down the street (Beach Boulevard, north of La Palma) to pick up a coffee to start your day. Before you get too much filling your stomach, which will be easy with the delicious funnel cakes and boysenberry topping with powdered sugar, hop on all of the jolting rides first. You'll also avoid longer lines near the end of the day by going on early. This means you will be starting at the Boardwalk section of the park, running to be one of the first on Boomerang. Afterwards, go strap yourself in at the Supreme Scream station as you prepare for a crawl to the top of a 254 foot high tower and take a deep breathe before the quick and forceful drop down (said to be a mere 3 seconds). Heart pumping yet? How about a slide down “The World's Tallest, Steepest and Wettest Water Ride!” The Perilous Plunge will get you and everyone pointing at you wet... a great way to cool yourself off in the middle of the day.

    Wait... we know your clothes have stopped leaving a puddle behind you. It's time to change that! Walk across the path, over to Rip Tide. Choose a seat in the middle for maximum effect as you tumble around the spouting fountain. Okay, now it is time to dry off again, for the meantime. Head over to the Xcelerator (the big, tall red one) and zoom around corners like you're racing in that t-bird. Get out of the sun and sit under a lovely umbrella in Fiesta Village... while spinning around at the Hat Dance. Your head will certainly be spinning afterwards. If all that activity has really stirred up your appetite, stomp over to the Bigfoot Broiler for a juicy burger. When done chomping that beef, it is required to go to Bigfoot Rapids (you're in the area, anyway). As they say, you will get wet, and you just may get soaked (if you sit at the seat that swerves under the waterfall). For dessert, and a quick drying off, saunter on back to Fiesta Village for Montezooma's revenge. Once that is done, relax, grab a funnel cake (it's a requirement to have it with boysenberry sauce), and catch one of the Old West shows back in Ghostown.

    Knott's for Families -

    Begin your day with a serving of the classic pancake breakfast at IHOP, across the street from KBF's entrance. The park will open at 10 o'clock, so it's best to get there at the time to allow yourself to maximize the day at this multi-faceted theme park. Make it a fun history lesson for the kids by pretending they're going off to work in a gold mine on Ghost Rider, a roller coaster said to be one of the longest and tallest in the world. After that little bit of exhilaration, pan for gold over at the Gold Rush Camp and possibly strike it rich! Cool down from the heat of the day on the Timber Mountain log ride, a Knott's classic.

    Take a break from all of the excitement of the Old West and enjoy a delicious burrito or other Mexican fare at La Victoria Cantina in Fiesta Village. Once the food settles, be prepared to discover ancient mysteries on the always adventurous Jaguar ride. Don't worry, Camp Snoopy is next! Great for kids of all ages (but still best for the young ones), this offers many cute attractions for the family. I remember around the age of 5 having my picture taken on the Huff and Puff mining cars, while pumping and moving the car all by myself.

    Near the end of your day, take a tour on the Ghost Town Calico Railroad... just be sure to watch out for flying bullets, as handkerchiefed bandits may board your train. Finish off with a supper at Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant. Just be sure to make the reservations in advance, otherwise the wait is destined to be terribly long any day of the week. For a map of the park's location, please check here.

    So, what else is there to do here? There is also the Knott's newer sister park, Soak City, which is mainly used by locals to cool off from the Southern California heat and nothing I would particularly recommend going out of your way to visit.

    Don't pack your bags just yet, Buena Park still has more to offer than a family themepark.

    Dinner and a Show

    Medieval Times -

    A classic in its own right, Medieval Times is the ultimate place for "chivalry, rivalry, and revelry."  Feast on a meal fit for royalty while watching, and perhaps even taking part in, a medieval tournament. Located on Beach Blvd. in between La Palma and the 91.

    Pirate's Dinner Adventure -

    A result of the late pirate-craze, the old Wild Bill's Dinner Theater was renovated into the Pirate's Dinner Adventure. A stunning show accompanies a decent dinner, and preceeded by a reasonably-sized appetizer buffet, pre-show. Just be sure you practice your swordsmanship before entering this territory. Also located on Beach Blvd, just south of the 91 freeway.

    No Dinner, but a Bit of a Freak Show

    Ripley's Believe it or Not! Museum -

    Get weirded out by this museum full of real (or not?!) oddities recorded throughout history and throughout the world by Robert Ripley. This is a good stop for some fun if you have an extra hour or two in your agenda. The boys will love all the exhibits meant to gross you out. Located on Beach Blvd, north of La Palma.

    Buena Park is a great down filled with the necessities for suburban life and more. The historic, but entirely renovated Buena Park Mall, now known as the Buena Park Downtown (on La Palma, between Stanton and Dale), hosts a variety of stores, eateries, and a huge new movie theater. At Beach and Orangethorpe sits Golden Nights Restaurant, a fun Middle Eastern dining experience. This city is also filled with a variety of lodgings at your service (searchable on any travel site). Enjoy your stay!

    ]]>     Sun, 15 Jun 2008 10:17:04 PST     Your Guide to the Real O.C.: Anaheim http://www.trifter.com/USA-&-Canada/California/Youre-Guide-to-the-Real-OC-Anaheim.135930 This article is part of the series "Your Guide to the Real O.C."

    Welcome to Anaheim. The one-time Bavarian delight along the Santa Ana River and previously filled with great citrus and walnut trees is now nearly half Hispanic and an established center of a metropolitan region in its own right.

    Disneyland

    Yes, it is a staple of visiting the Southland and you are obligated to visit if you're in the area and haven't been before. California Adventure is adjacent to the park and is just a pretty waste of time, so I recommend saving your money and going to see the real things the state has to offer. If you're limited on time and want the best of the rides, head first to the Matterhorn to wake you up and help get you pumped for the remainder of your day. Run over to Space Mountain and soar through the stars … and try to think of Michael Jackson when he wasn't so odd.


    image source

    Stop off at the Café Orleans for a yummy crepe or sandwich. Mosey on down to the Pirates of the Caribbean cruise and relax, enjoy a boat ride while your food settles. Don't move too fast, you can take a fascinating show of outer space while sitting in the theater in Star Tours… be careful, your seats do move in correspondence with the show. You'll come outside and the difference between an air-conditioned theater and the Southern California heat will hit you. Skip over to Splash Mountain for a refreshing cool down… and be careful, you will get wet!

    Cruise through Autopia and let a breeze dry you off a bit, and then hit the Indiana Jones adventure for a shaky Jeep ride. It's now time for a little meet and greet with some characters, which is best done in Toon Town (my favorite part as a child). Minnie's house is a little girl's dream and the boys should really enjoy the Chip n'Dale Tree House.


    image source

    All the sugar and candy is done (and don't forget to buy some edible and non-edible treats at the Gag Factory before you leave), dusk should be hitting, and there's some sort of eerie feel as the breeze of the Santa Ana winds hit you and you wonder where the sun has gone. Well, it's the perfect timing for the trip to the Haunted Mansion. Will you see a ghost? Once you get over being spooked, run to Fronteirland for a place close to the water to get the best view of the Fantasmic special effects show performed on the lake. The showing should be at about 9, and following it will be a spectacular firework show. You should head back to your hotel room after this… get some rest and instruct the baby sitter… because now it's time to party!

    Map of the park's location

    Nightlife


    image source

    The Grove - This is a hot event venue, located on Katella east of State College. Its stunning exterior architecture and generally fabulous feel will make you feel like a movie star as you saunter in here. For upcoming events, go to their event schedule page.

    House of Blues - The famous spot for some amazing live performances, located in the Downtown Disney District. You'll find all sorts of music being played here, and even though food is served, you'll likely find yourself moving those hips the entire time. For more information, head to the House of Blues website.

    J.C. Fandango - Thespot to hit for a fun night of moving to the Latin groove. This is now technically in the city of Garden Grove, located on Chapman (west of Harbor… this is for your taxi driver), but it was previously in Anaheim so I'm including it… Anyway, they have all the best Latin music, a vibrant crowd, excellent DJs and even offer Salsa lessons. Check out their website to find out more.

    Sports


    image source

    The Concourse Entertainment Center (Bowling) - For some reason, I think us Anaheim folks love to bowl. Well, this is the place to try your luck at a strike. They even have fun theme nights to enjoy. Located on La Palma, east of Kraemer.

    California Angels - (had to be old school with the name) This is the baseball team that hadn't one a game for decades, and out of the blue took the World Series by storm in 2002. They play a great game, and if you have a chance, you should take the opportunity to see one. Go here for their schedule and watch them play at the Angel Stadium.

    Anaheim Ducks - Are you Canadian and bored by the prospect of being without your beloved hockey while on vacation? Don't be! You can watch the Ducks play with the sticks and the puck (when it's the season). Schedule available here to see them play at the Arrowhead Pond.

    Anaheim Hills Golf Course - Anaheim Hills is for sure the most beautiful part of this city. If you're seeking a relaxing afternoon and want to take a swing, The Hills golf course is a lovely spot to play a round of golf at. Phone 714-998-3041

    ]]>     Mon, 09 Jun 2008 05:22:34 PST     Day Trip From Edmonton to Pigeon Lake http://www.trifter.com/USA-&-Canada/Day-Trip-From-Edmonton-to-Pigeon-Lake.123456 Edmonton is a big city, so you might find it odd that there are things that people cannot get in Edmonton, which prompts them to drive an hour South West to Pigeon Lake, or rather, to The Village at Pigeon Lake. Word of mouth has been phenomenal at getting people to this unique destination. The two main draws are shopping and food. One restaurant has won acclaim and awards and is a big pull, as well, one of the local shops pulls people in because they closed their Edmonton location.

    Image Source

    Let's Go!

    There are lots of ways to get there, I am going to give you a nice circle route. Head south on Highway 2 to Highway 39, then West to Calmar. Calmar has a great little bakery on the north side of the road, and will make a nice stop to pick up a treat to eat in the car. Continue West, you will turn south at a point and pass through Thorsby. Continue south past the many farms and pastures. You will come to Highway 616, at which point you want to turn Right, or West. This will take you on a scenic trip around the lake and past some Bison farms. Unfortunately the roads were not designed with tourists in mind, and this will not be a completely lake shore drive. The 616 is a nice rolling drive, and you want to look for the South (left) turn to highway 771. Here is where you will get close to the lake and have a view. Follow the 717 as it heads south and eventually south east around the lake. At one point you will pass The Village Gardener Greenhouse on your left side. In the spring and summer this may make a nice place to get out and look around.
    It is only a few more minutes south west on the 771 until you come to highway 13, turn left on this road, so you are headed east. In about 3 minutes time you will see "The Village at Pigeon Lake" on your left side. It is not a typical "village", nor is it on the lake, and by no means huge, although it is expanding. It is the name given to the development.

    The Village

    The Village consists of several stores, a grocery store, gas station and many others. The four most popular are in a row, starting with the Eco Cafe. This award winning restaurant is worth a stop just in time for lunch. The food is definitely high quality but not ridiculously priced. Their environmental philosophy, of buying local produce when available, shows in the freshness of the taste. Next is The Clothing Store, a place for womens fashions. The following store is very popular, The Country Sampler, an ever evolving store with pine furniture and home decor like you wont find many other places. Prices are excellent. The other noteworthy stop at the Village is Daisy McBeans, a good dessert stop before continuing on. They have ice cream and many other novelty treats, including home baked goods or incredible sandwiches. This is a good place to have a coffee and treat before heading onward. There is a Spa located in the Inn, and if you can get an appointment they are very good. If you visit the Village during the week, as opposed to a weekend, you should stop in to the ATB Bank to view their display of local artwork. In fact, I would say that coming during the week is better, since weekends are very crowded. The village is open year round, but no not expect late store hours in the winter.

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    Continuing On...

    From the Village head East, left, onto the Highway, about 1 mile down the road, on the right hand side, is Back Street Antiques, worth a stop, but I caution you that not everything is an antique and prices are a bit higher than in "The Village". Just ¼ mile south of Back Street is The Wilderness Store, another shop worth visiting as it has very unique wood furniture and other items. Phone ahead, often they are only open on Fridays and the weekends. Then head back on Highway 13, going east, which would be to the right. A turn north on Highway 13A will bring you to Ma-Me-O Beach, a man made beach where one can wade in knee deep water for ages. There is not much shopping in Ma-Me-O, but it is worth the stop if you have kids who want to play in the water, and they deserve it after allowing you to shop! You can follow Highway 13A which will loop back south to Highway 13, or can backtrack on Highway 13A to Highway 13, either way, continue East to Highway 2, where you can go North, back to Edmonton.

    Trip Time

    Traveling time from Edmonton to "The Village" is about one hour, I have suggested some good stops to break up the trip. There are a lot of people who have "cabins" at the lake, but a surprising number come as a day trip from the city. For those who don't know about this hidden treasure, I would like to encourage you to make a trip.

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